IF- Identity as a matter opinion

Who we are is really a matter of opinion, whether our own opinion or someone else's. As an example here are three sketches of the same person done to quickly explore shape dynamics. There are so many ways of seeing the world.

Since my painting style is largely realistic traditional, I sketch most of the time in caricatures and shape explorations like these. It helps me remember that the movement and shape of the figure add depth to emotions communicated much more than good rendering...well, for that reason and I like cartoons!

What's your opinion?

IF - Some pretend and some really believe

How long did you believe? Is there still a part of you that believes...if not in Santa than in Believing itself. The holiday season is wonderful for its ability to rejuvenate and enrich our ability to hope and believe in that which is good in ourselves and others.

This is not merely pretending-to presume without a foundation for the hope- but placing faith in true and guiding principles. Even though I can't always put my finger on it at times; just because as I can't show you that Santa exists, I can believe.

Repair: Holiday Camera

Ok, so I'm a camera nut. I have around a dozen cameras around my studios. I think of each them as offering a unique new vantage point on the same set of objects/events. This is one of my favorites, an old Holiday II home movie camera, yup just like in the Wonder Years.

I did this illlo completely in Illustrator a little while back and thought it was amply suited for this weeks topic. I'll post a more detailed version a bit later for those interested.

Cheers!

If Late... bring a gift!

If you find yourself falling behind schedule for some ghoulish party this Halloween bring a gift...eyeball stew is a real crowd pleaser and is sure to leave your host speechless. This is a fun little sketch I did and just wanted to give it better treatment then scribbly (yes that's a word) pencil.

Happy Halloween just in case I don't see before that frightful night.

String- A cat can never resist

A promotional cover that fit well with the subject. I tried to reveal the narrative subtly, using the string from the "mousetrap" winding u[to the window to add some intrigue and give the viewer a second or two before realizing that the mice in the window are baiting the cat.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions of comments, Enjoy.

Gardeners Only...Most of the Time

Gardens are a miracle box. This year I watched yellow gourds, red tomatoes, orange carrots, purple onions, green zucchinis explode out of the ground. Anyone over the age of 2 was allowed into the Wilson Garden Clique, needless to say some of the less privileged were jealous. From time to time a few duds were caused by curious fingers, but that's what a garden is for. It is a microcosm classroom for life's best secrets- A little tenderness and patience with some persistent hard work brings fulfilling rewards. Enjoy and see you back soon.

Traditional Charcoal Drawing

I've posted a few digital pictures and oil sketches lately and wanted to do something a little different. I got an itching to feel the grit of charcoal on board and this is the night's result. It blows me away how nice it is to feel bumps, chunks of charcoal, etc. Sometimes a wacom tablet is just sinfully smooth, taking out all the unexpected and even giving you the "Control Z." It's almost too much, almost.

This is not to say that I don't love working digitally; I do. Just different strokes for different projects. I think the broader your abilities are the more choices/options you have to to play with. This time it was charcoal; what's your flavor today?